District 21 to Enforce Speeding, DUI, Seatbelt, and Distracted Driver Violations from Friday to Monday

ASHKUM, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials statewide are reminding motorists to make safety their number one priority while driving during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The Labor Day weekend is one the busiest driving periods for motorists and thousands of drivers are expected to hit the roadways and interstates nationwide.

Law Enforcement officials will push for ZERO fatalities by enforcing the four most common traffic violations: Speeding; DUI; seat belts; and distracted driving. Troopers will saturate the expressways and roadways looking for violators. Troopers will also be on heightened alert monitoring intelligence from the Statewide Terrorism Intelligence Center (STIC) for any suspicious activity, vehicles, special alerts, and criminal activity crossing state lines. District 21 Captain Bridget Bertrand stated "We are asking motorist to enjoy the holiday weekend by driving in a responsible manner. Please use a designated driver when appropriate, avoid distractions while you are driving and always remember to buckle up."

In addition to enforcement messages and public safety awareness campaigns, districts statewide are also working with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to ensure that highways are safe and clear of road distractions that can impede or impact safe driving and roadway safety.

Law enforcement officials added that roadside safety checks have already been deployed leading up to the holiday weekend, and these patrols will continue throughout the holiday weekend. Troopers will also be equipped with radar and LIDAR devices to monitor motorists exceeding the legal speed limits.

Last year, the Illinois State Police issued 2,651 tickets for speeding violations during the holiday period from Friday through Monday. During the same time period, there were 91 DUI arrests; 625 seatbelt violations; and 45 distracted driver violations.

"Drivers who choose to violate the law and place other motorists and first responders in harm's way face fines and possible jail time," said ISP Director Hiram Grau. "Our Troopers will have zero tolerance when it comes to reckless and irresponsible driving behavior," he stressed.

Since 2007, ISP Troopers have been enforcing the Fatal 4 mission and have been striving to reduce the number of fatalities every year.